DirtyDusty

No the gentleman I spoke with said that looking at the pictures I sent, of the cards, that he could accommodate the mules back and add a little room for growth. I see several saddle makers that say they have a couple of mule trees that cover most mules, but I am assuming at this point that they have their own specs and are not using stock bars from a tree maker. I have emailed HF, Steele, and precision, inquiring about mule bars. No real response except for Bowden. I did call Steele this afternoon and spoke with A lady their. She said they had 2 versions of mule bars and could have a finerglass covered tree done in 4-6 weeks or a bullhide done in @8 weeks. But, that the bullhide covering is outsourced to another vendor. So it could be delayed.

Total would be $600. I don’t think it’s unfair pricing. I was just trying to stay around $300-$350 for two reasons. First, this will be my first saddle, so I would rather make mistakes on a cheaper tree than an expensive one. second, the mule is only 3.5 years old, so from everything I have been told, he still has a lot of growing to do. If I get a tree that is made just to fit him, now, he’ll need another saddle in a couple of years. Am I off base in my thinking?

I keep running in to dead ends. I am looking for a mule tree, without going the one off customs route. I checked with Bowden and got their Dennis Lane card kit. Measured the mule’ back and called them back. It’s an extra $200 for setting up, for a custom tree. Are their any other tree makers that have a stock tree with mule bars?

Gathering up everything to build a mule saddle. I got the Dennis lane kit from Bowden tree co. Measured my mule earlier today. Seems that the C card that’s for the back, doesn’t have a narrow enough section. The TB portion of the card is the closest fit, but still has about 3/8”-1/2” clearance at the ends of the points. Anyone ever used their kit for measuring a mule? Anyone have experience with other tree company’s mule trees? Mule Is 3.5 years old, singe will probably keep growing and getting wider. Should I get a tree that’s a little wider and use extra padding until he gets bigger?

Thanks

Is there another site people are using? I noticed as I scroll through the post, most are are over a year old.

What’s the best rigging fir a mule saddle? I have seen several production saddles with double rings, front and back, and several custom rigs that where 3/4 inskirt. It will be for a 17” wade.

Thanks, I ordered a template kit from Bowden along with the Dusty Johnson saddle making set. I started to pick up the Stohlman book at Tandy the other day. I am definitely interested in the rigging for a mule saddle. I saw several custom jobs, online, that had it set at 3/4. Also saw several that use the double d-ring up front. Any advice on that?

Was going to order a barbwire stamp set. I notice there are several suppliers selling a 4 pc. kit, are these all made by the same manufacturer? Dies anyone make a premium set?

I am looking at doing a wade western saddle, for my mule. Figure I would start a few small projects before tackling that one.

Is there a reference available to sort out the thread size with TPI? I am gathering tools to start my first saddle build and can’t find any reference as to what TPI most hand stitching Is done in. I think I have seen where some recommend. .8 or 1.0mm thread for hand stitching on saddles. Is that correct? What size chisels or prong would you use for starting your layout, if you went the route?

Anyone on here made any mule saddles? I am wanting to build one, but not sure where to get a production tree. Also where is the best place to buy Herman oak or wicket Craig leather, by the side?

Are the beveler and skiver still available?

Looking to buy a used set.